Systems, apparatus, and methods for storing a plurality of items using a transparent storage device with a privacy shield

ABSTRACT

A system, method and apparatus for a storage device or bag are disclosed. A portion of the bag is made of transparent material. Further, a shielding device is coupled to the bag and a privacy shield is coupled to the bag using the shielding device such that the privacy shield covers to at least a portion of the transparent material. In addition, a fastening device is coupled to the bag such that the fastening device is used to open and close the bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, a continuation in part of and claims benefit under rules and laws of the United States from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/465,019 filed on Aug. 22, 2013, the entire contents of which is being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arenas and stadiums host sporting events, concerts, or some other events to be attended by arena or stadium patrons. Due to public safety concerns, security personal at such arenas and stadiums examine the contents of a bag carried by each patron into the arena or stadium. Such examination of the contents of each patron's bag causes delay or inconvenience to the patrons attending the event. Some arenas and stadiums require patrons to use transparent storage devices or bags to carry items into an arena or stadium. Such transparent storage devices or bags allow security personnel to quickly examine the contents of the bag to reduce the delay and inconvenience to the patrons. However, the transparent bag allows the contents of the bag to open for view to the public making the patron vulnerable to theft or other consequences.

Thus, there is a need for systems, apparatus, and methods for storing a plurality of items using a transparent storage device or bag with a privacy shield to limit from public view the items carried in the transparent storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIGS. 1-2 are a transparent storage device with a privacy shield for storing a plurality of items in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of storing a plurality of items using a transparent storage device with a privacy shield in accordance with some embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of difference configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. Further, in the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth to further describe and explain one or more embodiments. These details include system configurations, block module diagrams, flowcharts (including transaction diagrams), and accompanying written description. While these details are helpful to explain one or more embodiments of the disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that these specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments.

The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for storing a plurality of items using a transparent storage device with a privacy shield. Such storage device or bag may have a portion made of transparent material. Further, a shielding device is coupled to the storage device or bag. In addition, a privacy shield is coupled to the storage device or bag using the shielding device such that the privacy shield covers at least a portion of the transparent material. Moreover, a fastening device is coupled to the storage device or bag such that the fastening device is used to open and close the storage device or bag. In some embodiments the shielding device includes the fastening device to assist in covering a portion of the transparent material with the privacy shield.

FIG. 1 is a transparent storage device or bag 100 with a privacy shield 108 for storing a plurality of items in accordance with some embodiments. Arenas and stadium host a sporting event, concert, or some other event. Due to public safety concerns, security personal at such arenas and stadiums examine the contents of bags carried by each patron into the arena or stadium. Such examination of the contents of each patron's bag causes delay or inconvenience to the patrons attending the event. Some arenas and stadiums require patrons to use transparent storage devices or bags to carry items into an arena or stadium. Such transparent storage devices or bags allow security personnel to quickly examine the contents of the bag to reduce the delay and inconvenience to the patron. However, the transparent bag allows the contents of the bag to open for view to the public making the patron vulnerable to theft or other consequences. The privacy shield 108 allows the patron to limit from public view the contents of the bag 100 to reduce the patron's vulnerability to theft but relative quick removal of the privacy shield 108 (thereby exposing the contents of the bag 100 through the transparent material) balances the need for security personnel to quickly examine the contents of the bag.

The transparent material may be plastic or any other materials known in the art that may allow security personnel to examine the contents of the bag 100 quickly to cause minimal delays or inconvenience to the patron. In one embodiment, the bag 100 includes a main compartment 106 and a flap 114 that may be fastened together using a fastening device (e.g. velcro fastener). A portion of both the main compartment 106 and the flap 114 may be made of transparent material. When the flap 114 is unfastened from the main compartment 106 and is flipped up to reveal the main compartment 106, security personnel may quickly examine the contents of the bag 100.

Further, a shielding device 112 is coupled to the bag. In addition, the privacy shield 108 is coupled to the bag 100 using the shielding device 112 such that the privacy shield 108 covers to at least a portion of the transparent material of the flap 114 as well as the main compartment 106. In addition, the shielding device 112 includes at least one of a slit, velcro, a zipper, and a sliding zipper. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shielding device 112 may be a slit. The privacy shield may be a laminated sheet, cloth, canvas, plastic or any other opaque material that covers a portion of the transparent material of the bag 100. Further, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the privacy shield 108 may be a laminated sheet that may be inserted through a slit 112 (e.g. shielding device) into the flap 114 by the patron. When the flap 114 is flipped down and fastened to the main compartment 106, the privacy shield 108 allows the patron to limit from public view contents of the bag 100 such that the patron may carry personal items (e.g. wallet, etc.) without being vulnerable to theft.

In other embodiments, the bag 100 may have a shielding device 112 that includes a zipper that when unzipped reveals the contents of the bag 100 through the transparent material but when zipped covers at least a portion of the transparent material of the bag 100 with a privacy shield to limit public view of the contents of the bag. In additional embodiments, the bag 100 may have a shielding device that includes velcro when unfastened reveals the contents of the bag 100 through the transparent material but when fastened covers at least a portion of the transparent material of the bag 100 with a privacy shield to limit public view of the contents of the bag.

In some embodiments, promotional material 110 may be coupled to the privacy shield 108. In further embodiments, the promotional material 110 may be a logo or trademark of the bag 100 manufacturer or the logo or trademark of a team participating in the sporting event attended by the patron at the arena or stadium. In alternate embodiments, the promotional material 110 may include the logo or trademark of band or musical artist of the concert that is being attended by the patron. In further embodiments, the promotional material 110 may be associated with a product, service, or entity associated with the event. In other embodiments the promotional material may be an advertisement for a product, service, company or other entity.

Moreover, a fastening device is coupled to the bag 100 such that the fastening device is used open and close the bag. The fastening device may be a drawstring, slit, velcro, button, a zipper, and a sliding zipper. For example, a drawstring may be used to open or close an opening of the bag 100 to insert items to carry. In another example, a velcro fastener is used to open and close an opening of the bag 100. In an additional embodiment, the bag may have a zipper or sliding zipper to open or close the opening of the bag 100.

Such a bag 100 includes one or more shoulder straps (102 a and 102 b) that may be used by a bag user to carry the bag 100 as a backpack. In another embodiment, the bag 100 may include one or more shoulder straps such that the bag 100 is a shoulder bag. In a further embodiment, the bag 100 includes one or more handles such that the bag is a tote bag.

FIG. 2 is a transparent storage device or bag 100 with a privacy shield for storing a plurality of items in accordance with some embodiments. The bag 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be the same bag 100 shown in FIG. 1. Further, such a bag 100 may include shoulder straps (102 a and 102 b) a main compartment 106 and a flap 104. Further, the bag 100 may include a fastening device 202 to open and close the bag 100. In one embodiment the fastening device 202 may be a velcro fastener having two parts. One part may be on the flap 104 and the other may be on the main compartment 106. When the two parts are pressed together they adhere to one another to close the bag 100.

Further, the fastening device 102 may be part of the shielding device that allows the privacy shield to cover a portion (if not all) of the transparent material of the bag 100. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 the shielding device may include a slit to allow a patron or user of the bag to insert a privacy shield. Further, shielding device may also include the fastening device 202 (e.g. velcro fastener) such that when the flap is fastened to the main compartment of the bag 106 (i.e. made of transparent material) limits from public view the contents of the main compartment 106.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 of storing a plurality of items using a transparent storage device or bag with a privacy shield in accordance with some embodiments. Such a storage device or bag may be purchased and used by a patron of an arena or stadium to attend a sporting event, concert, or some other event. At such event, security personnel may need to examine contents of the bag 100 for public safety reasons causing delays to the patron in attending the event. The method 300 includes storing one or more items using such that a portion of the bag is made of transparent material, as shown in block 302. The transparent material allows arena or stadium security personnel to quickly examine the contents of the bag causing minimal delays to the patron in attending the event. The method 300 further includes coupling a privacy shield to the bag using a shielding device, as shown in block 304. In addition, the method 300 includes covering at least a portion of the transparent material using the privacy shield. The privacy shield allows the patron to limit from public view contents of the bag such that the patron may carry personal items (e.g. wallet, etc.) without being vulnerable to theft.

In other embodiments, the bag may have a shielding device that includes a zipper that when unzipped reveals the contents of the bag through the transparent material but when zipped covers at least a portion of the transparent material of the bag with a privacy shield to limit public view of the contents of the bag. In additional embodiments, the bag may have a shielding device that includes velcro when unfastened reveals the contents of the bag through the transparent material but when fastened covers at least a portion of the transparent material of the bag with a privacy shield to limit public view of the contents of the bag.

In some embodiments, promotional material may be coupled to the privacy shield. In further embodiments, the promotional material may be a logo or trademark of the bag manufacturer or the logo or trademark of a team participating in the sporting event attended by the user at the arena or stadium. In alternate embodiments, the promotional material may include the logo or trademark of band or musical artist of the concert that is being attended by the patron. In further embodiments, the promotional material may be associated with a product, service, or entity associated with the event. In other embodiments the promotional material may be an advertisement for a product, service, company or other entity.

Moreover, a fastening device may be coupled to the bag such that the fastening device is used to open and close the bag. The fastening device may be a drawstring, slit, velcro, button, a zipper, and a sliding zipper. For example, a drawstring may be used to open or close an opening of the bag to insert items to carry. In another example, a velcro fastener is used to open and close an opening of the bag. In an additional embodiment, the bag may have a zipper or sliding zipper to open or close the opening of the bag.

Further, the fastening device may be part of the shielding device that allows the privacy shield to cover a portion (if not all) of the transparent material of the bag. That is, in one embodiment the shielding device may include a slit to allow a patron or user of the bag to insert a privacy shield. Further, shielding device may also include the fastening device (e.g. velcro fastener) such that when the flap is fastened to the main compartment of the bag that is made of transparent material limits from public view the contents of the main compartment.

Such a bag may include one or more shoulder straps that may be used by a bag user to carry the bag as a backpack. In another embodiment, the bag may include one or more shoulder straps such that the bag is a shoulder bag. In a further embodiment, the bag includes one or more handles such that the bag is a tote bag.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a bag wherein at least a portion of the bag is made of transparent material; a shielding device coupled to the bag; a privacy shield coupled to the bag using the shielding device such that the privacy shield covers to at least a portion of the transparent material.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fastening device coupled to the bag such that the fastening device is used to open and close the bag.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more shoulder straps such that the bag is a backpack.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more shoulder straps such that the bag is a shoulder bag.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more handles such that the bag is a tote bag.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising promotional material coupled to the privacy shield.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent material is comprised of plastic.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the privacy shield is comprised of at least one of laminated sheet, cloth, canvas, plastic and opaque material
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shielding device includes at least one of a slit, velcro, a zipper, and a sliding zipper.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fastening device includes a drawstring, slit, velcro, button, a zipper, and a sliding zipper
 11. A method, comprising: storing one or more items using a bag, wherein a portion of the bag is made of transparent material; coupling a privacy shield to the bag using a shielding device; covering at least a portion of the transparent material using the privacy shield.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein a fastening device is coupled to the bag such that the fastening device is used to open and close the bag.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more shoulder straps is coupled to the bag such that the bag is a backpack.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more shoulder straps is coupled to the bag such that the bag is a shoulder bag.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more handles is coupled to the bag such that the bag is a tote bag.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein promotional material is coupled to the privacy shield.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the transparent material is comprised of plastic.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the privacy shield is comprised of at least one of laminated sheet, cloth, canvas, plastic or opaque material.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the shielding device includes at least one of a slit, velcro, a zipper, and a sliding zipper.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the fastening device includes a drawstring, slit, velcro, button, a zipper, and a sliding zipper. 